Indonesia's 70th Anniversary of Independence

Indonesia is celebrating 70 years of Independence and while diplomatic necessities and niceties have seen the coming and going of the current Ambassador Nadjib Riphat Kesoema during periods of tension the current, and we assume continuing, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop made it obvious her relationship with him has survived the vicissitudes of diplomatic rules to be a friendly social and personal one.

She swept into the marquee in the embassy’s back yard after the official toasting - handled in her absence by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Steven Ciobo - had been completed and did a quick meet and greet, a short speech, swept out with but a quick chat with the British High Commissioner Meena Rawlings, a double kiss for Sir Angus Houston, a handshake for Mick Keelty and on to the official signing of the visitors book. A few more photos and au revoir.....question time loomed. And then everyone relaxed. Most guests oblivious to her arrival as they mingled in the sunshine to avoid the marquee squash.

There were traditional dancers and traditional food. Pollies and staffers, diplomats and locals and the usual suspects mixing and mingling convivially while I’d had a chat with the Ambassador of Russia Vladimir Morozov. Now that was interesting as he told me of Malcolm Turnbull’s Siberian investment venture in gold that isn’t supporting him in the manner to which he’s accustomed as he departed that adventure breaking even. Ambassador Morozov speaks Indonesian learning the language at the beginning of his diplomstic career in Indonesia in 1972. The most interesting information is often gleaned in the most casual of conversations. And with the ructions in the Liberal Party this week the comments from all and sundry are best kept private. Discretion imperative, always.